What to plant in your fall garden

Today marks the first day of fall, and if you’re anything like us, you’re starting to think and plan your fall garden. Autumn is an ideal time to plant in Southern California as it often means temperatures are beginning to cool. This makes planting not only easier for the plants, but also more comfortable for you! Although things may be cooling down slightly, the soil temperature is still warm enough for you to get digging and for your plants to flourish. Depending on the type of garden you have (or you’re creating), there are a few different projects you can get started on this fall.

Transplant and plant your trees and shrubs

Warm soil temperatures make for an excellent time to plant new trees and shrubs, or to transplant your existing foliage. Although people often think of spring as the ideal time for this particular project, fall is an even better alternative. Here in Southern California, fall is when we experience cooler temperatures and receive the rainfall our trees and shrubs need to thrive. When you plant and transplant this time of the year, you’re allowing the roots to acclimate. Come spring and summer, your plants and shrubs will be ready to battle the drier, hotter months.

Seasonal vegetable gardens

Fall is a big time of year for planting veggies. The following can be planted throughout autumn, and some even into the winter months.

Artichokes

Basil

Beets

Blueberries

Broccoli

Brussels sprouts

Cabbage

Carrots

Cauliflower

Celery

Chives

Cilantro

Collards

Dill

Garbanzo beans

Garlic

Kale

Lettuce

Onion

Parsley

Parsnips

Peas

Radishes

Rosemary

Spinach

Swiss chard

Thyme

Seasonal flower gardens

Vegetable gardening isn’t the only type of gardening you can do in fall. Don’t forget about your flower gardens. In Southern California, many flowers will thrive throughout the fall and winter. Plant a few of these stunning fall-friendly flowers.

African daisy

Alyssum

Bachelor button

Butterfly flower

California desert bluebells

California poppy

Carnation

Dahlia

Pansy

Petunia

Primrose

Snapdragon

Viola

Wallflower

Plan for spring this fall

Another great thing about gardening in fall is that you can start planing for spring. Create a plan for how you want your garden to look and plant those seeds this fall. By the time spring rolls around, your flowers will begin to emerge and thrive under the sunshine. Plants like hostas, peonies, irises, and ferns can all be planted in the fall and winter months.

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